Using an Old Can of Baked Beans

By

redhatterb

What gets me is the packaged food items that don't have an actual date, but instead has a code on it, as if everybody knows what that code means. Also it would be nice if they printed the information just a tiny bit larger.

By

ehrline

Also...make sure the top (lid) of the can has not popped up. It is no longer sealed then. Top should be in pressed down condition.

By

Debbie52

I had email correspondance with someone at the Allen's canning company in AR. She said that as long as the can is not in bad condition, the contacts would be safe to eat ....but maybe not taste as good. You could open the can, I'd take a smell of it first to be sure no off smell, taste some and if it tastes ok to you, go ahead and use.

Those dates printed on cans these days are to tell you when it is "best by"....meaning it will taste the best if used by that date.

By Judith (Guest Post)

So long as the tin is in good condition the food inside should be good. I recently found some tins in the back of a cupboard that were my mother's, they were war rations. The food was in very good condition, and we ate them. Trust yourself, if the food looks OK and smells right go ahead and eat it.

By

Great Granny Vi

Great Site on canned goods,Deeli.

Years ago I had several cans of food stored and forgotten in an "Earthquake preparedness box". I took them out and because they had no dates on them wrote to each MFG. and gave them the numbers and asked that they tell me how long the shelf life was for each can.I got very nice letters back and they all said about the same thing. The food was safe to eat no matter how old IF the cans were not damaged in anyway. The food inside might not be as ( pretty in color ) nutritious but still safe. Some said 5-10 years. If there is a 1-800 number on the can give them a call.
As for the EQ box...We used it all and now have the boxes dated and replace them as used.GG Vi

By

Robyn Fed

It is not worth the risk..throw it away!

racer

By

mainemom207

I know that I tried to see if Pumpkin was still alive and well in our pantry after the expiration date but no go.. so if it does have an expiration date I would check it out not everything is packed and canned as it was in the 1700 and 1800's but very interesting read on the link above I enjoyed it!

By

Deeli

Kind of a long read but worth it for the info and some history about canned foods ... It will back up Belzin's answer:

http://www.internet-grocer.net/how-long.htm

By

Belzin

As long as the can is in good condition (no dents or punctures), canned food will last indefinitely.